I have two days to raise $440.

With your help, I know I can do it. If 22 people give $20, or 15 people give $30, or 9 people give $50, or 44 people give $10 - it can be done. Please send this link to your friends, family, coworkers or post on your Facebook page. Every amount helps. Thank you in advance for donating TODAY.

Unicia Buster

Last Saturday, I ran/walk 12.5 miles in one go. I did another 1.5 later in the day. Not exactly 14 (what I was supposed to do) so I was a little disappointed. Recommittment was due this week, so I decided to think about how far I've come and what I can see myself doing. I've already done a half marathon during training. I know I can do that. I've had some issues physically that I'm still working through. So I've decided to do the half. I'm a little disappointed with both the fundraising progress and my physical progress but I'm proud of myself at the same time. I never thought I could do something like this. I've never been athletic or played any sport in school or for recreation. My nose was always in a book. So, congratulations (as I pat myself on the back) to the lady who couldn't run one block without running out of breath (and steam to continue going). :) And the money that I've raised thus far will help so many suffering with blood cancers, some of whom I meet working here at the hospital. Let's continue to support life-saving research and programs for caregivers and families of patients.

Welcome friends and family.

• I’m participating in a marathon in November as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. I am raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.
• Weighing in at 185 when I started this mission, I hope to improve the quality of my life and, with your support, improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
• Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.

Come back and visit soon for updates.

Thank you, thank you and thank you again for your support. I couldn't do this without you.

4/27/12

Did my first three mile run/walk. It felt great. I was a bit sore and got some very helpful advice this week for my next run this weekend.

4/30/12

I'd like to thank my friend Shanaye Labeaud for purchasing a treadmill for me to train on at home. I really appreciate it and am forever grateful. I will make good use of it (as I am sure you will too ;). Thank you, thank you, thank you. The next Redbox I get, I promise to watch it while walking/jogging. (Hold me to it!)

5/1/12

I used the treadmill for the first time last night and I did good. I walked continuously while watching the second half of a movie. According to the machine, I walked 2.5 miles in 60:47 minutes, burning 266 calories. I was tired so I managed to jog for only 30 seconds. I know - terrible. Anyway, I'm looking forward to improving my time and increasing the distance. Thank you again Shanaye.

Also, I'd like to give a shout out to my dear friend Honore for making a large contribution to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I feel like I should give out prizes for donations of $100 or more. What do you think: a painting, a small wall hanging, a tote bag?

5/7/12

I'd like to give a special thank you to my aunt Juanita who purchased a new pair of running shoes for me and for keeping my son while I was at my first training session on Saturday (not that you don't always keep him;). Thank you so very much aunty. I love you!

I think I did well at my first training. I jogged, I walked, I sweated and I felt good and very proud of myself. I met some team members and the vibe was great. Everyone was helpful and encouraging. Thank you coach Chuck and TNT! I look forward to the next one.

5/15/12

On Saturday, 5/12/12, my mom and I did the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k. It was great. We had a good time. We walked it together and finished in 58 minutes. It was our Mother's Day present. What could be better.

5/19/12

I ran for a full 15 minutes. I don't know how many miles (most likely no more than 2), but I was so proud of myself. I used to run one block (yes, one) and had to stop because I was out of breath. Can't wait to see where I am in a month.

5/29/12

Last Thursday, I walked/ran 4.14 miles in 100 minutes. Yesterday, I did 4.40 miles in 100 minutes. Here's to continued improvement without any injuries! I still get sick somehow after a vigorous workout. I hope it's just some dormant stuff in my fat cells being released because I am finally burning fat. I will keeping trudging through.

6/11/12

I feel myself getting better. I did my best so far at 4.40 miles in 100 minutes. I've been keeping up with my program. Some days are better than others. From knees pains, heel pains, hips pains and shin pains, I start wondering why I am doing this. But then I remember, it's not just about me. And I keep going.

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6/19/12

Saturday, I ran (mostly) for 4 miles in one hour. Go me! Some of my teammates did 10 miles so I felt a little defeated. But in retrospect, I did really good for me. I've come a long way and I see improvement. In fact, I felt like I could go another 2 miles but I followed the course directions my coach provided. The next day, I took my mom and son out on the same course. We did about 2.5 miles. And on yesterday morning and this morning, I walked to work (1.2 mile). Not much, but starting next week when i pick my son up from summer camp in the evenings, I can do more miles.

6/28/12

Last Saturday, I ran/jogged/walked 6 miles. That's something I never thought was possible. I couldn't believe it. It took me from 7:20am to 8:55am. Not bad for a beginner. It's actually easier for me to run on the street than on the treadmill at home. I haven't been able to do the treadmill since I've had dance practice three nights a week. But I have been getting some 0.5 and 1 mile walks in on the street everyday this week. Not optimal but better than nothing. Next week, I will try to get my 3-4 miles in the mornings. (So not a morning person.) :) Here's a picture of me with with one of my coaches, Chuck who came back to run my last 2 miles with me. Go Chuck!

7/10/12

Last Saturday, I ran/jogged/walked 7 miles. Another first for me. I'm actually looking forward to increasing my distances each Saturday. My cross-training is going well (I dance, do push-ups and work on abdominal strength). I've also been working on my diet as well. I've cut out candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, potato chips and soda. I haven't had any since June 1. So far, though I haven't lost any weight. I thought I would but it hasn't happened. But I'll keep trucking along. Recentlly, I realized that some people don't believe I will do this marathon and that is why they haven't donated. I wish people would understand that it's not about me completing 26 miles. It's about raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society who are working hard to raise money for necessary research. Cancer affects us all, not just patients. So, if you know me, and you are hesitant to donate because you don't believe I can do it, I want you to donate anyway. Donate because you know this money is going to a good cause. Then come out and see me cross the finish line. Because I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to finish the marathon. But I need your support and your prayers. Not your doubt and criticism. People with cancer are fighting a battle everyday in which others believe they won't win. But yet, people win the battle, not by themselves but, with the support and prayers of others. So please be supportive and donate. ANY amount brings me closer to my goal. Thank you.

8/8/12

TEN MILES! Who would have thought that I could do ten miles. I would never do a 10K because it was too far, but on Saturday, August 4th, 2012, I ran/walked 10 miles in 3 hours (a little less). Amazing. Then I went to church and danced/performed in two numbers. Boy, has my endurance been boosted! Although, I crashed Sunday. I could barely move. But a little ice goes a long way. Here's to a successful training week. Thank you to Melanie Reynolds for your recent donation. I love you lady!

8/17/12

This just keeps getting better and better. I hit 12 MILES on last Saturday (8/11/12) and it took me 3 hours and 10 minutes. Another FIRST and what an improvement over last weeks' 10 miles in 3 hours! I look forward to the day I walk my full marathon. Keep me in your prayers and thank you so much to those who've donated to LLS. THANK YOU!

August's featured prize:

TBA

AND THE WINNER IS .... Melanie Reynolds.

The winner for the month of July is: Melanie Reynolds. Congratulations Melanie!

July's featured prize:

Back by popular demand July's featured prize:

An autographed 20-page, hardcover, full-color book of images of my quilts, paintings and photographs in the Hair Naturally series. Valued at $40. Winner announced August 1st. Every $10 donated enters your name in a drawing for this prize. You must donate between July 1 and July 31st.

Donations of $100 or more will recieve a special handmade gift.

The winner for the month of June is: Honore Winfree Benson. Congratulations Honore!

June's featured prize:

An autographed 20-page, hardcover, full-color book of images of my quilts, paintings and photographs in the Hair Naturally series. Valued at $40. Winner announced June 30th. Every $10 donated enters your name in a drawing for this prize.

Donations of $100 or more will recieve a special handmade gift.